The Stream Modular computing concept isn’t exactly a new idea, but it was always talked about in a high-level conceptual way. Barton Smith, Industrial Engineer and key proponent to modular computing, created a nice demo of some of the interfacing ideas that are carried through the conceptual design using his Locus OS. Within the idea of Stream Modular computing, you would purchase single purpose computing devices to satisfy a desired “experience” or function, rather than using many all-purpose devices to accomplish specific tasks. Here is an excerpt of Smith’s explanation of modular computing’s benefits: Currently, if a user wishes to purchase a computer purely for documenting and internet they must accept that it will come with processing power and features well beyond these needs. With the Stream concept, however, users would purchase only the Connections and Documents modules as well as the Core Component to perform only these functions. The Connections module also acts as a phone, which leads to the second benefit of this system. Many users today are faced with both an overlap of functions, content and components. In the previous example, the user’s computer would be capable of making calls through VOIP (a technology most likely to overtake traditional GSM networks), however there is no way of taking this one component of the machine with them. Instead, they must purchase another product – a phone – to fulfill this need. But now they have two devices capable of making calls, browsing the internet, emailing and taking photos as well as two interfaces to learn. He released a video of the interfaces one would expect to find on these “modules” and how they interact with each other through “experiences.” The modular computing paradigm may not be ready for real-world acceptance, but some of the design and interface concepts are too cool to ignore. Check out the video and more detailed explanation, after the jump.

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